LaWanda Sue Russell Baker, daughter of Vernon Russell and Ellen (Coleman) Russell was born February 18, 1955 in Vici, OK.  She passed from this life at her home in Woodward, OK. on September 5, 2021 at the age of 66.  In December of 1955 her family moved to Indio, CA. and the following year they lived in Visalia, CA.  LaWanda attended the elementary school in Ivanhoe, CA. and high school at Exeter, CA.

At the age of fifteen LaWanda was baptized and became a lifelong member of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn.  May 5, 1972 in Tulare, CA., LaWanda was united in marriage to Douglas Baker.  Their union was blessed with four children, three sons, Erick, Christopher and Brandon and a daughter, Miranda.

Over the years, LaWanda lived in Indiana, Grand Junction, CO., Henryetta, OK., and Sacramento, CA. before moving to Woodward, OK. in 2010.  She was a homemaker and her pride and joy was her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed time spent with family, friends and brethren.  Her special interests included collecting dolls and going to antique stores, attending yard sales and flea markets.

LaWanda is preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Ellen Russell and other loved ones.

Her memory will be cherished by her family, sons, Erick Baker of Henryetta, OK., Christopher Baker of Hitchita, OK. and Brandon Baker of Broken Arrow, OK., daughter, Miranda (Baker) Melton of Woodward, OK. and thirteen grandchildren.  Her siblings, Audrey Christian of Vici, OK., Shari Floyd of Martinsville, IN. and Kirby Clyde (KC) Russell of Kingsburg, CA.  One aunt, Venita Fay Smith of Kansas and one uncle, Herman Coleman and wife Sharyon of Mutual, OK., six nieces, nine nephews, other relatives and friends.